Malfoy Manor had been decorated in a festive style.
Despite the falling winter snow, the fountain in the courtyard was still running, spraying dazzling jets of water, while two pet peacocks fanned their tails near the porch.
Most eye-catching of all were the Christmas trees lining both sides of the path from the manor gates to the entrance hall, laden with every kind of Christmas ornament imaginable.
Their main colors were black and purple. It was an unusual choice, but a calculated one.
At that moment, Lucius and his family stood waiting at the manor gates, all three dressed in luxurious clothes.
In the biting wind, Draco rubbed his stiffening hands together, his voice tinged with complaint.
"When is Shawn coming, Dad? Wouldn't it be the same if we waited inside for Dobby to tell us, then came out to welcome him? We look so silly standing here."
Lucius remained expressionless. He ignored his son, whose social awareness still needed work, and continued mentally preparing himself.
Narcissa stepped forward to straighten her son's collar and spoke gently.
"This is how we show our sincerity as hosts. Shawn's position is different now. He's an honored guest, so it's only right that we come out a little early to welcome him."
Though Draco had undergone intensive coaching from his parents, he had ideas of his own.
Ultimately, however, he had little experience of the world. Understanding a principle and knowing how to apply it were two different things.
His thinking was actually quite simple: Shawn was his Chief, his roommate, his big brother figure, and his cousin.
How much closer could they be?
Why bother with all this empty ceremony?
Draco was certainly a firm believer in putting family first. The trouble was that his definition of family and Lucius's might have